Home > The Scene

9 sentences runners hate

Questions runners are asked all of the time that they don't love answering

How runners are understood by the general public versus how we understand ourselves can be two different things. There are a few questions or conversation topics that are always brought up once someone finds out you’re a runner. Here they are, and here’s why they can be frustrating.

RELATED: How runners are portrayed vs. how they look in real life

How’s your jogging? 

Jogging is understood by some people as a synonym for running, but this couldn’t be more upsetting to most runners. We do not jog. We run.

Fun fact: jogging with a soft j, pronounced phonetically as yogging, is OK. I can’t explain its etymology but it’s less offensive. My best guess is that European stuff is always cool.

Did you win?

Runners are often asked if they won when they return home from a race. The exact same question is also usually asked before a runner goes to a race in the form of, “Are you going to win?” Answer: probably not. And furthermore, I’m not ashamed. Because if I was going to win the Boston Marathon I would not be working in this office.

What’s your marathon time?

First off, it’s usually called a personal best. Secondly, there are events other than the marathon. Thirdly, lots of people run their entire lives without ever running a marathon.

And while we’re here, yelling ‘keep going’ isn’t that helpful.

How long is your marathon?

Typically a standard issue 42.2K.

I could never do that. 

You tell someone you’re a runner and they respond with, “I could never.” Yes you could. Yes you one hundred per cent could. You just don’t want to, and that’s totally OK. Keeping in mind that there are some people with medical or social conditions that prevent them from running, most people are able to run if they choose to.

Aren’t you hot?

This question is in the same camp as, “Aren’t you cold?” Answer: sometimes, yes. But for the most part I have weather-appropriate clothes that make running in the elements bearable. And when it isn’t? Hello, treadmill.

Oh, I ran in school.

Almost everyone was forced to run in elementary school. This isn’t much of a talking point.

What sneakers do you wear?

Just because shoes work for me, doesn’t necessarily mean they work for you. There are so many types of feet, so get yourself assessed properly. Also, they’re running shoes or shoes or runners, not sneakers.

Do you run everyday?

There’s an assumption that if you’re a runner, you must run everyday. For almost every runner, the answer is no. Even professionals take days off. In order to keep the love alive, you have to take some breaks.

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

The best trainers in Canada under $150

We curated the best performance trainers under $150 to meet your 2024 running goals, while staying on budget